The Give Local 757 online fundraising campaign collected more than 10,000 donations and raised $790,000 for local nonprofits this year, according to event organizers.

“We get closer every year to that million but this year we got closer than ever before and broke many records,” said Tammy Flynn, director of philanthropy for the Peninsula Community Foundation with offices in Hampton.

The foundation launched the annual event in 2014 to help the region build its capacity for fundraising while also promoting awareness of local nonprofits. The 24-hour fundraising goal has been $1 million, based on the foundation’s assessment of the the community’s capacity, Flynn said.

On May 8, Give Local 757 raised 20 percent more than last year’s $660,000, establishing a new fundraising record, Flynn said. This year’s more than 10,270 donations also increased by a third from last year’s 7,700 donations. That’s with 220 participating nonprofits, which is on par with last year, Flynn said.

Additionally, this year’s campaign garnered more first-time donors for nonprofits and causes, Flynn said. This year, 42 percent of donors donated to a Hampton Roads cause for the first time — which is significantly higher than the average of 34 percent being new donors over the past four years, she said.

“We’re thrilled. The goal of it is to increase philanthropy in Hampton Roads and clearly the numbers show — through Give Local 757 — it’s happening,” Flynn said.

A newcomer to the event garnered the most number of donations on the Peninsula: 20 Pearls Foundation Inc. collected 616 donations and raised $21,784, Flynn said.

The nonprofit, established in 1997, is the charitable arm for the Newport News Lambda Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. The foundation raises money for scholarships for graduating seniors — awarding $14,000 this year — and gives monetary donations to other local nonprofits, said board president Rhonda Russell.

The 20 Pearls Foundation exceeded its initial $15,000 goal and leveraged its membership of about 200 to get the word out using social media about the campaign, said Sharon Russell, who is also on the board. Give Local 757 also introduced 20 Pearls to other participants and nonprofits, and helped the community learn what the nonprofit does, she said.

“It really is a system where everybody can be a philanthropist,” Russell said. “We try to make it as simple and as easy as possible for people to give.”

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There will be a Newport News City Treasurer's sale of the "Lunch Bell and Contents Thereof" for non payment of taxes.The online auction is handled by Auction757.

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There will be a Newport News City Treasurer's sale of the "Lunch Bell and Contents Thereof" for non payment of taxes.The online auction is handled by Auction757.

There will be a Newport News City Treasurer's sale of the "Lunch Bell and Contents Thereof" for non payment of taxes.The online auction is handled by Auction757.

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Planning is scheduled to begin this month. The contract allows HII’s Newport News Shipbuilding division “to prepare for each step in the overhaul process, from preparing for the ship’s arrival in Newport News to its redelivery back to the Navy,” said Chris Miner, vice president, in-service aircraft carrier programs, in a news release.

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McDonald’s Giving Away Free Fast Food For Life The fast food chain is offering "free food for a lifetime." This is part of their new McGold Card Sweepstakes. Anyone who orders from the McDonald’s app from now to August 24 is automatically entered.

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Aldi to Launch Curbside Grocery Pickup Service Aldi is planning to expand grocery delivery services to all stores in the U.S. Aldi U.S. CEO Jason Hart adds the chain will will start testing curbside pickup as well. The service allows shoppers to buy groceries online and then pick them up at stores, where employees will load the bagged items into their cars.

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Heritage Humane Society in the Williamsburg area raised the highest amount at $36,708 with more than 200 donations, Flynn said.

“I think our team was ecstatic and relieved a little bit,” said Heritage Humane Society executive director Kimberly Laska. “This is kind of our baseline for how the program is registering to our citizens in our community.”

Heritage has been participating in Give Local 757 for the past four years, Laska said. The money helps save animals’ lives and find them homes. This year, the nonprofit transferred nearly 300 animals from other shelters, she said. The nonprofit helps other shelters, particularly rural ones, which may have more limited space.

With the two $757 prizes Heritage won during the event, the nonprofit raised $38,000 from Give Local 757 with the help of donors who committed to providing matching donations, Laska said.

The social media aspect of the online campaign is making a difference, Laska said. Heritage also relies on social media users to share info on animals needing to be adopted.

“I hope people realize on any day of the year, they can help,” Laska said. “They don’t have to wait until the next Give Local 757.”